In an NFL draft as deep and talent-filled as the one that ended Saturday, high grades were the standard.

I gave only three A’s, however, including one to the Texans. I don’t remember giving the Texans an A in their first 12 drafts.

For those who disagree, let me point out something, beginning with the Texans’ entering the draft with 11 selections, including the first pick in every round.

General manager Rick Smith and coach Bill O’Brien came away with talented prospects at a lot of positions, including need positions.

In defensive end J.D. Clowney, the first overall pick, the Texans got the highest-rated prospect in the draft. He is viewed as a once-in-a-generation pass rusher.

In guard Xavier Su’a-Filo, a second-round pick, they got the highest-rated interior offensive lineman. And I’m not including tackle Zack Martin, who might move inside for Dallas.

In tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz, their first pick in the third round, the Texans got the best blocker at his position.

In nose tackle Louis Nix III, they got the best prospect at his position, and if he’s able to slide over to tackle in passing situations and play up front with Clowney and J.J. Watt, he’ll be a third-round steal.

Some scouts had a first-round grade on Nix. Just about everyone had him being drafted no later than the second round.

When he was still available in the third round, Smith gave up picks in the fourth and fifth rounds to Philadelphia to move back into the third round to get Nix (6-2, 330 pounds), who’s got the road-grader size defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel likes at that position.

Promising signal caller

Then, in the fourth round, Smith used his first compensatory pick on quarterback Tom Savage (6-4, 235).

Because the Texans were looking for a young quarterback to develop behind Ryan Fitzpatrick, Savage is going to be under the microscope as he develops working for O’Brien and quarterbacks coach George Godsey.

And that’s fine with Savage, who had two terrific seasons as a true freshman at Rutgers and a fifth-year senior at Pittsburgh. In between, he sat out 1,024 days because of an injury and a transfer to Arizona, where he never played.

Savage is 24, the same age as Russell Wilson when he entered the NFL as a third-round pick by Seattle. He’s got outstanding size, a tremendous arm, an impressive attitude and a superb work ethic that comes from sitting out so long and learning what it’s like to work in the real world.

A lot of experts said Savage would go in the second round. Just about everyone predicted he wouldn’t last beyond the third, so the Texans got a bargain.

Like every rookie, especially quarterbacks who have played only two seasons, including one since 2009, Savage has a lot of work to do.

“When the whole team is here, there’ll be competition at every position,” O’Brien said. “Quarterback is definitely one of them. We’ll just add Tom to the mix and see what he does.”

It’s unrealistic to think Savage will be playing any time soon, especially considering he played only one season over the last four years. But the coaches want to see progress, and at some point, they hope he develops into the kind of quarterback they believe he has the potential to become.

O’Brien and Smith are eager to get all the draft choices and undrafted free agents in for the three-day rookie minicamp that starts Friday.

“Rookies don’t know anything about the National Football League, and it’s not their fault,” O’Brien said. “Rookies should come in and be humble. They should be hardworking. They should be able to process.

“They should understand what it means to be a Houston Texan and what our program is. This is a big step.”

O’Brien survived his first draft with Smith.

“One thing I give Rick a lot of credit for is that I was new to this process as a head coach,” O’Brien said. “Just watching him stick to the board and the communication that he and I had was really good.

“(The) big message from Rick and I (to draft choices): ‘Hey, come here ready to work, be a good teammate, be coachable and learn our program.'”

<center><b>1st round (1st overall): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina, 6-5, 266.<h3></b></center>
College career: He had 47 sacks in three seasons for the Gamecocks, with 13 of them coming during his sophomore season, after which he was being widely labeled the likely first overall pick for 2014. He also got in on 24 tackles for losses that year. He dropped off dramatically last fall (three sacks, 111/2 tackles for losses), and speculation became rampant that he wasn’t going all out to protect his draft status/earning potential. He was slowed by a stomach virus, endured a painful bone spur in his foot and also had a rib-cage injury. Coach Steve Spurrier appeared caught off guard when it was decided at the last minute that Clowney would not play against Kentucky, and the coach-player relationship appeared strained. But after Clowney’s combine results dazzled, the tarnish pretty much disappeared. less

<center><b>1st round (1st overall): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina, 6-5, 266.<h3></b></center>
College career: He had 47 sacks in three seasons for the Gamecocks, with 13 of them coming during his ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<center><b>1st round (1st overall): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina, 6-5, 266.<h3></b></center>
Strengths: You name it. He is big, strong, fast (4.51 in the 40), agile, explosive and flexible enough to dip around the tackle, then turn the corner and barrel in on the suddenly defenseless QB. Did we forget anything? His initial burst off the snap causes jaws to drop, and he has a full range of feints and spins. Scouts love his swim move for rushing up the gut, too. He showed excellent vision and instincts, and when he was going full bore, his closing speed was phenomenal. It had a lot to do with why he separated ball carriers from the ball eight times his first two seasons. less

<center><b>1st round (1st overall): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina, 6-5, 266.<h3></b></center>
Strengths: You name it. He is big, strong, fast (4.51 in the 40), agile, explosive and flexible enough to ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<center><b>1st round (1st overall): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina, 6-5, 266.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses: While his unusually long legs make him vulnerable to cut blocks, his athleticism made it difficult for offensive linemen to get in position to successfully deliver their blocks. He has some J.J. Watt in him when it comes to timing his jumps to knock down passes at the line of scrimmage, but he lacks the soft hands to turn deflections into interceptions. Occasional in-game lapses, particularly last season, caused worries about his concentration and conditioning. He is thought to be a less-than-perfect fit at outside linebacker in Romeo Crennel’s 3-4 set because, having played end, he can get lost in coverage. less

<center><b>1st round (1st overall): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina, 6-5, 266.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses: While his unusually long legs make him vulnerable to cut blocks, his athleticism made it ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<center><b>1st round (1st overall): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina, 6-5, 266.<h3></b></center>
How will he be used this season? Although a slightly less imposing physical specimen than Mario Williams, the Texans’ and the NFL’s top overall choice in 2006, Clowney is a more finished product and should be able to handle more force-feeding from the outset. Still, look for Crennel to find ways to exploit Clowney’s once-in-a-generation pass-rushing gifts rather than asking him to be an all-around, every-down force as a rookie. While he will be more than a situation player, he definitely will get showcased in situations when he can wreak the most havoc. less

<center><b>1st round (1st overall): Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina, 6-5, 266.<h3></b></center>
How will he be used this season? Although a slightly less imposing physical specimen than Mario Williams, ... more

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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<center><b>2nd round (33rd overall): Xavier Su’a-Filo, G, UCLA, 6-4, 307.<h3></b></center>
College career – He started every game he played in college, 20 at left guard and 20 at left tackle. He was the best player on a very good offensive line last season as the 10-3 Bruins averaged 37 points and 448 yards per game. less

<center><b>2nd round (33rd overall): Xavier Su’a-Filo, G, UCLA, 6-4, 307.<h3></b></center>
College career – He started every game he played in college, 20 at left guard and 20 at left tackle. He was ... more

Photo: William Mancebo / Getty Images

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<center><b>2nd round (33rd overall): Xavier Su’a-Filo, G, UCLA, 6-4, 307.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – The highest-rated guard in the draft, he ran a 4.97 in the 40 in his pro-day workout, not too shabby for a 300-pounder. He’s super-strong in the upper body with excellence balance and flexible hips, allowing him to move well laterally in passing situations. The same internal strengths that made him an Eagle Scout as a kid have stayed with him. He kills himself in the weight room. At 23, he’s also more mature than most rookies, having spent two years doing Mormon mission work. less

<center><b>2nd round (33rd overall): Xavier Su’a-Filo, G, UCLA, 6-4, 307.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – The highest-rated guard in the draft, he ran a 4.97 in the 40 in his pro-day workout, not too ... more

Photo: Joe Robbins / Getty Images

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<center><b>2nd round (33rd overall): Xavier Su’a-Filo, G, UCLA, 6-4, 307.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – He sometimes trusts his instincts too much and gets out of position. He doesn’t always come off the ball quickly enough on running plays. Some think he needs to be a little more hard-nosed and driven to fully live up to his potential in the NFL. His fundamentals need fine-tuning to cope with the problems pro D-linemen present. less

<center><b>2nd round (33rd overall): Xavier Su’a-Filo, G, UCLA, 6-4, 307.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – He was drafted to replace Wade Smith at left guard. Smith has started the last 64 games there but won’t be re-signed. Because the Texans will rely on their running game more than most teams with Arian Foster’s presumed healthy return and because the quarterback situation is in flux, Su’a Filo needs to be an instant-impact player. less

<center><b>2nd round (33rd overall): Xavier Su’a-Filo, G, UCLA, 6-4, 307.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – He was drafted to replace Wade Smith at left guard. Smith has started the ... more

Photo: Joe Robbins / Getty Images

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<center><b>3rd round (65th overall): C. J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa 6-6, 265.<h3></b></center>
College career – Arguably under-utilized as a Hawkeye, he caught 95 passes, 10 for touchdowns, over three seasons while averaging about 10 yards per reception. less

<center><b>3rd round (65th overall): C. J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa 6-6, 265.<h3></b></center>
College career – Arguably under-utilized as a Hawkeye, he caught 95 passes, 10 for touchdowns, over three ... more

Photo: Matthew Holst / Getty Images

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<center><b>3rd round (65th overall): C. J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa 6-6, 265.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He has excellent “straight-line” speed for a man of his size and he takes his blocking duties seriously. Given his size and leg strength, even NFL corners and safeties won’t enjoy trying to tackle him. less

<center><b>3rd round (65th overall): C. J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa 6-6, 265.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He has excellent “straight-line” speed for a man of his size and he takes his blocking duties ... more

Photo: Matthew Holst / Getty Images

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<center><b>3rd round (65th overall): C. J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa 6-6, 265.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – He has problems getting separation and, despite having good hands, he’s surprisingly prone to dropping easy passes. He didn’t instinctively find his way back to the ball when his quarterback was scrambling. less

<center><b>3rd round (65th overall): C. J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa 6-6, 265.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – He’ll be asked to play a key role in short-yardage and clock-killing situations, when the Texans need an extra big-body blocker. Given their presumed run-first orientation, he’s a smarter pick for them than he would have been for many other teams. less

<center><b>3rd round (65th overall): C. J. Fiedorowicz, TE, Iowa 6-6, 265.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – He’ll be asked to play a key role in short-yardage and clock-killing ... more

Photo: Joe Robbins / Getty Images

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<center><b>3rd round (83rd overall): Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame, 6-2, 331.<h3></b></center>
College career – He started 11 games each season as a sophomore and junior, making a combined 95 tackles, but played in only seven as a senior, with 27 tackles, after suffering a torn meniscus that required surgery. less

<center><b>3rd round (83rd overall): Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame, 6-2, 331.<h3></b></center>
College career – He started 11 games each season as a sophomore and junior, making a combined 95 tackles, but ... more

Photo: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

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<center><b>3rd round (83rd overall): Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame, 6-2, 331.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – Projected as a first-round pick (some thought he might go as high as No. 10 to the Titans) because nobody has ever looked more like the prototypic 21st century nose tackle, he stubbornly occupies a lot of space in the center of the scrum, showing remarkably explosiveness off the ball and agility for a man of his girth. He uses his strong hands well, has an eye for the ball and he plays hard with a sometimes angry edge. less

<center><b>3rd round (83rd overall): Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame, 6-2, 331.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – He was overweight to start the season last fall, then got hurt, which could hinder his chances of contributing for the Texans straight away. He struggled with double teams in college, which doesn’t bode well for his handling same at the pro level. He sometimes lets his emotions get the best of him, which will attract undue attention from NFL officials. less

<center><b>3rd round (83rd overall): Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame, 6-2, 331.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – He was overweight to start the season last fall, then got hurt, which could hinder his chances of ... more

Photo: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

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<center><b>3rd round (83rd overall): Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame, 6-2, 331.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – With Earl Mitchell gone, nose tackle is wide open. The Texans signed Jerrell Powe, who played for Romeo Crennel in Kansas City, for insurance, but Nix should be their guy in the middle for years to come, even if he doesn’t establish himself immediately. less

<center><b>3rd round (83rd overall): Louis Nix, DT, Notre Dame, 6-2, 331.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – With Earl Mitchell gone, nose tackle is wide open. The Texans signed Jerrell ... more

Photo: Joe Robbins / Getty Images

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<center><b>4th round (135th overall): Tom Savage, QB, Pitt, 6-4, 228.<h3></b></center>
College career – Highly recruited out of high school, he earned the starting job as a true freshman for Greg Schiano on a Rutgers team that won nine games. But he lost same after suffering a hand injury as a sophomore and transferred to Arizona, where he never played for Rich Rodriguez, before transferring again to Pitt. A senior co-captain for the Panthers, he threw for 24 touchdowns – completing 61.2 percent of his passes – and scored three himself. less

<center><b>4th round (135th overall): Tom Savage, QB, Pitt, 6-4, 228.<h3></b></center>
College career – Highly recruited out of high school, he earned the starting job as a true freshman for Greg Schiano ... more

Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

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<center><b>4th round (135th overall): Tom Savage, QB, Pitt, 6-4, 228.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He looks the part of an NFL quarterback with broad shoulders and a pretty good arm, if not quite a cannon. He also throws a pretty ball, with a nice, tight spiral. He earned a reputation for physical and mental toughness, particularly when he’s under fire in the pocket. At 24, he’s mature for a rookie. less

<center><b>4th round (135th overall): Tom Savage, QB, Pitt, 6-4, 228.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He looks the part of an NFL quarterback with broad shoulders and a pretty good arm, if not quite a ... more

Photo: Joe Robbins / Getty Images

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<center><b>4th round (135th overall): Tom Savage, QB, Pitt, 6-4, 228.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – In part because of his hard-nosed approach, he tends to be injury prone, getting sidelined twice last season with a concussion and a rib injury. Although he hangs in well against pressure, he struggles eluding the rush and his decision-making needs improvement. He forces ball where they shouldn’t go, and he struggles reading defenses. less

<center><b>4th round (135th overall): Tom Savage, QB, Pitt, 6-4, 228.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – In part because of his hard-nosed approach, he tends to be injury prone, getting sidelined twice last ... more

Photo: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

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<center><b>4th round (135th overall): Tom Savage, QB, Pitt, 6-4, 228.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – It’s hard to fathom him stepping in and starting straight away, so Ryan Fitzpatrick and Case Keenum will likely duke it out while he learns in the background. Hopefully, he’ll be a sponge. Bill O’Brien’s reputation as a quarterback guru will be put to the test, but he’s got excellent raw material to work with Savage, it would seem. less

<center><b>4th round (135th overall): Tom Savage, QB, Pitt, 6-4, 228.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – It’s hard to fathom him stepping in and starting straight away, so Ryan ... more

Photo: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

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<center><b>6th round (177th overall): Jeoffrey Pagan, DE, Alabama, 6-4, 310.<h3></b></center>
College career – Although not a starter during his first two seasons when the Tide won national titles, he made 26 tackles with four of them for losses and was in on two sacks. As a starter last fall, he made 34 tackles, four for lost yards and had two sacks. less

<center><b>6th round (177th overall): Jeoffrey Pagan, DE, Alabama, 6-4, 310.<h3></b></center>
College career – Although not a starter during his first two seasons when the Tide won national titles, he ... more

Photo: Leon Halip / Getty Images

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<center><b>6th round (177th overall): Jeoffrey Pagan, DE, Alabama, 6-4, 310.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He’s a block of granite who blows off the ball, then holds his ground on running plays, waiting for the action to come to him. Having played at Alabama, he has been well-coached and is used to playing in a big-time environment. The NFL Advisory Committee rated him a potential third-round pick, which is why he decided to come out early. less

<center><b>6th round (177th overall): Jeoffrey Pagan, DE, Alabama, 6-4, 310.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – He’s not much of a pass rusher, but because he can slide inside in throwing situations, that’s not hugely important. The Alabama coaches, perhaps selfishly, believed he could have used another year of maturing at the college level. He tore ligaments in his knee as a high-school running back, but there doesn’t appear to be any lingering issues. less

<center><b>6th round (177th overall): Jeoffrey Pagan, DE, Alabama, 6-4, 310.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – He’s not much of a pass rusher, but because he can slide inside in throwing situations, ... more

Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

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<center><b>6th round (177th overall): Jeoffrey Pagan, DE, Alabama, 6-4, 310.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – With Antonio Smith gone, he’ll given every opportunity to win the starting job at end opposite J. J. Watt in Romeo Crennel’s base defense. Because he can play tackle, too, he’s got versatility going in his favor. He blocked a punt in college so you’ll him on special teams. less

<center><b>6th round (177th overall): Jeoffrey Pagan, DE, Alabama, 6-4, 310.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – With Antonio Smith gone, he’ll given every opportunity to win the starting ... more

Photo: Sean Gardner / Getty Images

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<center><b>6th round (181st overall): Alfred Blue, RB, LSU, 6-2, 223.<h3></b></center>
College career – LSU was super-deep at running back so he was just one of the cogs, starting only seven games over three seasons. He carried 209 times for 1,253 yards and 11 touchdowns. He had three 100-plus yard games. less

<center><b>6th round (181st overall): Alfred Blue, RB, LSU, 6-2, 223.<h3></b></center>
College career – LSU was super-deep at running back so he was just one of the cogs, starting only seven games over ... more

Photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images

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<center><b>6th round (181st overall): Alfred Blue, RB, LSU, 6-2, 223.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He’s a good, and good-looking, athlete who might have thrived in a different environment where he could have been a go-to back. He does everything pretty well with no obvious shortcomings and his body hasn’t been subjected to much wear and tear. less

<center><b>6th round (181st overall): Alfred Blue, RB, LSU, 6-2, 223.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He’s a good, and good-looking, athlete who might have thrived in a different environment where he could ... more

Photo: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images

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<center><b>6th round (181st overall): Alfred Blue, RB, LSU, 6-2, 223.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – His durability is untested because he hasn’t played that much. He missed most of the 2012 season after suffering a knee injury. less

<center><b>6th round (181st overall): Alfred Blue, RB, LSU, 6-2, 223.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – His durability is untested because he hasn’t played that much. He missed most of the 2012 season ... more

Photo: Stacy Revere / Getty Images

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<center><b>6th round (181st overall): Alfred Blue, RB, LSU, 6-2, 223.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – He’ll be given a chance to compete for the backup spot behind Arian Foster and he’ll be expected to contribute on special teams, although played only a tiny role as returner at LSU. Spencer Ware had a similar career as a Tiger and now plays a niche role for the Super Bowl champion Seahawks. That’s a model Blue will likely follow. less

<center><b>6th round (181st overall): Alfred Blue, RB, LSU, 6-2, 223.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – He’ll be given a chance to compete for the backup spot behind Arian Foster and ... more

Photo: Gerald Herbert / Associated Press

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<center><b>6th round (211th overall): Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn, 6-1, 254.<h3></b></center>
College career – He began his career at Illinois, where he excelled as a special-teamer and was the primary fullback as a sophomore. After transferring to Auburn to be closer to his mother, who was dying of brain cancer, he became the regular H-back/fullback and started on three special teams. He caught a 56-yard pass against Texas A&M last fall. less

<center><b>6th round (211th overall): Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn, 6-1, 254.<h3></b></center>
College career – He began his career at Illinois, where he excelled as a special-teamer and was the primary ... more

Photo: Frederick Breedon / Getty Images

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<center><b>6th round (211th overall): Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn, 6-1, 254.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He was rated the best lead blocker in the draft, but this shows how minimally important NFL teams consider fullbacks these days. He’s decisive and determined and his strength makes him an effective pass protector. (Pretty good hands, too, so Texans might look at him in the passing game.) He’s got a big motor in the weight room and on the field. less

<center><b>6th round (211th overall): Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn, 6-1, 254.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He was rated the best lead blocker in the draft, but this shows how minimally important NFL teams ... more

<center><b>6th round (211th overall): Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn, 6-1, 254.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – With only 25 career carries, he offers little as a runner in the running game. He’s slow footed and ... more

Photo: Gregory Bull / Associated Press

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<center><b>6th round (211th overall): Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn, 6-1, 254.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – His down-and-dirty attitude makes him the perfect special-teamer, a role he could excel in immediately. But he’ll get his shot at being the primary fullback. less

<center><b>6th round (211th overall): Jay Prosch, FB, Auburn, 6-1, 254.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – His down-and-dirty attitude makes him the perfect special-teamer, a role he could ... more

Photo: GM Andrews / Associated Press

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<center><b>7th round (216th overall): Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt, 5-11, 188.<h3></b></center>
College career – He became a full-time starter at Vanderbilt as a junior and then took his game to a higher level as a senior with 49 tackles – making 6½ behind the line of scrimmage – three picks and 18 passes defensed. He earned second-team All-SEC honors at corner both years. He also averaged 23 yards per kick return with a touchdown. less

<center><b>7th round (216th overall): Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt, 5-11, 188.<h3></b></center>
College career – He became a full-time starter at Vanderbilt as a junior and then took his game to a higher ... more

Photo: Scott Cunningham / Getty Images

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<center><b>7th round (216th overall): Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt, 5-11, 188.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He’s a natural at the position with good balance, vision and anticipation as well as transitional quickness. He’s a nasty tackler who understands angles and leverage. less

<center><b>7th round (216th overall): Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt, 5-11, 188.<h3></b></center>
Strengths – He’s a natural at the position with good balance, vision and anticipation as well as transitional ... more

Photo: Joe Robbins / Getty Images

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<center><b>7th round (216th overall): Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt, 5-11, 188.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – Overall size, short arms and small hands could get him overwhelmed at times in the NFL. He doesn’t recover well when beat by a receiver and sometimes reacts slowly. He was never asked to jam receivers at the line of scrimmage, which he’d have to do as an NFL corner. less

<center><b>7th round (216th overall): Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt, 5-11, 188.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – Overall size, short arms and small hands could get him overwhelmed at times in the NFL. He ... more

Photo: Frederick Breedon / Getty Images

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<center><b>7th round (216th overall): Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt, 5-11, 188.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – He’ll be prominent in the conversation as the Texans try to find a consistent kick returner and he figures to get a long look as the dime DB. less

<center><b>7th round (216th overall): Andre Hal, CB, Vanderbilt, 5-11, 188.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – He’ll be prominent in the conversation as the Texans try to find a ... more

Photo: Bob Levey / Getty Images

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<center><b>7th round (256th overall): Lonnie Ballentine, S, Memphis, 6-3, 219.<h3></b></center>
College career – He earned his first start as a true freshman against the University of Houston and wound up playing in 42 games for Memphis, intercepting only three passes with just one sack. He has five passes defensed as a senior. He had a 15-tackle game as a junior. less

<center><b>7th round (256th overall): Lonnie Ballentine, S, Memphis, 6-3, 219.<h3></b></center>
College career – He earned his first start as a true freshman against the University of Houston and wound up ... more

<center><b>7th round (256th overall): Lonnie Ballentine, S, Memphis, 6-3, 219.<h3></b></center>
Weaknesses – Despite his athleticism and range frame, he didn’t distinguish himself as a playmaker, which is how he wound up being the last player drafted. His speed is mostly of the straight-ahead variety. less

<center><b>7th round (256th overall): Lonnie Ballentine, S, Memphis, 6-3, 219.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – He’ll compete for backup job with his chances of making the team directly tied to how well he performs on special teams. less

<center><b>7th round (256th overall): Lonnie Ballentine, S, Memphis, 6-3, 219.<h3></b></center>
How he’ll be used this season – He’ll compete for backup job with his chances of making the team ... more